The Report Card

The Report Card

The Report Card issues grades A through F, and incompletes where necessary, to a variety of news items in this space. Got an idea that makes the grade? Send it to JBuchanan@CITIZEN-TIMES.com

Reader grades

A to Buncombe County, City of Asheville and fire and safety first responders from surrounding counties. The gas explosion at Enka could have had a very different outcome without these trained professionals spending countless hours preparing for events they hope never happen. I am extremely proud of the coordinated effort that resulted in no injuries - amazing and even a miracle when you survey the damage. Homes and businesses were saved as a result of knowing how to combat such a blaze. PSNC crews and Duke Progress Energy as well as city of Asheville paving crews were amazing in restoring utilities and repairing the damage to allow the road to be opened quickly. I am very grateful and offer a big "thank you."

Joe Belcher, Buncombe County Commissioner

F for failure of all the major media to report on the proposed and "secret" Trans Pacific Partnership being currently considered by Congress. More than 600 official corporate "trade advisers" have had input on what would affect much more than trade. It would override our national sovereignty, negating our laws protecting our environment, health, pharmaceuticals and food. It could even prevent us from enforcing the financial regulations needed to avoid another financial collapse like that major 2008 recession. Why the silence?

Lew Patrie, Asheville

Staff grades

A to Thermo Fisher Scientific for landing on IndustryWeek Magazine's vaunted Best Plants list, one of only seven facilities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico cited for 2013. The annual award was announced Monday. The company builds ultra-low temperature storage units and equipment for medical and pharmaceutical labs. Besides the Aiken Road plant with 450 staffers, Thermo Fisher has administrative and customer support offices at Biltmore Park, employing about 1,000 workers in the area. "Thermo Fisher Scientific demonstrates the qualities IndustryWeek looks for - leadership, teamwork and operational excellence as well as a continuous improvement mindset," said Jill Jusko, senior editor and director of the magazine's award program.

The award is even more remarkable considering that it has come in a remarkably short time from when the firm's future was cloudy. In 2008, the manufacturing plant was experiencing parts shortages, delayed deliveries, aging equipment and quality issues. Workers credited the Practical Progress Improvement plan, continually striving to better their performance and cut waste.

A to state Sen. Tom Apodaca, R-Hendersonville, named by the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists as Legislator of the Year. In presenting the award, Apodaca's strong leadership was lauded by NCANA President Linda Erskine-Bauer. "Senator Tom Apodaca is a Western North Carolina business leader with a long record of advocating for an improved quality of life for citizens, including a world-class health care system in the Tar Heel state," Erskine-Bauer stated. "Senator Apodaca is a consistent, proven advocate of quality, affordable care," Erskine-Bauer said. "Senator Apodaca always stood up for access to quality care, even when it wasn't politically expedient to do so. We are pleased to name him our NCANA Legislator of the Year." Apodaca represents Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania counties in the 48th Senatorial District and serves as chairman of the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate.

D to the U.S. Congress for traveling two paths regarding security for overseas embassies. On one front it has made the 2012 attack on the consulate in Benghazi, Libya, the focus of an almost never-ending investigation. On the other, it provided $224 million less for embassy security, construction and maintenance in the $1.1 trillion spending bill currently winding its way down the legislative path.

A to Murphy football coach David Gentry, named the National Federation of State High School Association's football coach of the year. The national award covers all athletic association across the country, including the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Gentry and the Bulldogs (13-3) beat Plymouth, 35-34, in last month's 1-A state championship game in Winston-Salem. It was the 346th career victory for Gentry and his sixth state title at the Cherokee County school.

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The Report Card

The Report Card issues grades A through F, and incompletes where necessary, to a variety of news items in this space.